The Government of Rwanda has expressed sympathy to traders, business owners and others affected by a fire that broke out at GOICO Market in Musanze City, pledging support for the reconstruction of the building to enable business activities to resume.
The Ministry of Local Government issued the message of reassurance on Sunday, October 11, 2026, following the fire that struck the market on Saturday, October 10, causing significant losses to those operating there. In the message, the Government expressed solidarity with traders, business owners, market users and families affected by the incident.
The statement said: “On behalf of the Government of Rwanda, we extend our condolences and express our solidarity with the traders, business owners, users of Musanze Market (GOICO), and all families affected by the fire that struck the market on the afternoon of October 10, 2026.”
The Government also thanked security agencies, local authorities and residents who participated in extinguishing the fire. Their efforts helped ensure that no lives were lost and prevented the flames from spreading to nearby commercial buildings.
The statement added: “The Government sincerely thanks the Rwanda National Police Fire and Rescue Brigade, local authorities, and the public in general for joining the rescue efforts and doing everything possible to ensure that no one lost their life and to prevent the fire from spreading to other commercial buildings near the market,”
17 People Taken to Hospital
Although the fire destroyed large quantities of merchandise and other property inside GOICO Market, the Government confirmed that no one died. However, some people sustained minor injuries or experienced distress that required medical attention. Two people sustained minor injuries, while another 15 were distressed by the incident. All 17 were taken to hospital for medical care.
The statement said: “During the fire, two people sustained minor injuries, while another 15 were distressed and taken to hospital for medical attention. Most have already been discharged, while two of those who were distressed are still receiving medical care.”
The Government also announced that the relevant authorities had begun investigating the cause of the fire, while assessments of the damage continued.
the statement said: “The relevant authorities are assessing what may have caused the fire, and the Government of Rwanda assures the public of its cooperation in rebuilding the market so that business activities can resume,”
Fire Destroys a Large Section of GOICO Market
The fire broke out at GOICO Market on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at around 4 p.m. It started in the upper section of the building before spreading to other floors. Within a short time, the flames engulfed several sections of the building. The fire intensified amid the goods stored inside, including clothes, mattresses and plastic products. People inside the building rushed outside to save their lives, while some traders watched helplessly as the flames destroyed their merchandise.
Security agencies, including the Rwanda National Police Fire and Rescue Brigade, immediately began firefighting operations and worked to prevent the flames from spreading to nearby buildings.
The firefighting operations lasted several hours. At one point, the flames appeared to subside, only to intensify again and spread to other sections of the building. According to information obtained by IGIHE, the fire may have been caused by metal welding activities taking place inside the building. However, investigations are ongoing to establish the actual cause.
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Government Pledges Support for Reconstruction
In addition to reassuring traders who suffered losses, the Government indicated that it would work with the relevant authorities to support the reconstruction of the market and enable business activities to resume.
The announcement comes as traders who operated at GOICO Market continue to worry about the future of their businesses following the destruction of the goods on which they depended for their livelihoods. GOICO Market was built in 2017 by Gorilla Investment Company, a company comprising 89 private investors from Musanze District. The project cost approximately Rwf 7.5 billion.
The five storey building accommodates businesses selling a wide range of products, including clothing, electronic equipment and other goods. It also houses banks and large retail shops.
More than 1,550 people operate businesses at the market, while approximately 25,000 people visit it daily. The value of the property destroyed by the fire has not yet been announced. The relevant authorities are continuing to assess the building and the extent of the damage to determine the work required to restore it.
